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Upon This Rock Community Shelter

Everyone deserves a warm place to sleep

Shelter, hot meals, showers, case management and wrap-around care for unhoused neighbors in New Haven.

Upon This Rock Outreach Inc. operates a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week shelter at 645 Grand Ave in New Haven, serving men referred through the 211 Shelter program, alongside our warming center and family triage work.

Volunteers assembling bunk beds in the shelter dormitory
Our Story

From a church dining hall to a 24/7 shelter

On Nov 22, 2022, God blessed Upon This Rock under the leadership of Apostle Washington to birth a warming center housing 35 males and females in our church dining hall. In July 2023 God increased UTRM to operate a shelter housing an additional 50 unhoused guests located at 209 Terminal Lane.

November 1, 2023, the Lord increased our capacity. We moved the warming center out of the church dining hall into the school, where we housed 67 unhoused guests at the old Strong School on 130 Orchard St.

On Feb 1, 2024, God entrusted UTRM to oversee a family triage where we housed over 50 families. This is the fast that the Lord has chosen.

God in his faithfulness enlarged our capacity again. On March 26, 2024, God blessed us to purchase 645 Grand Ave., a 6,300 square ft facility where we currently are housing women and children. As of September 1, 2024, 645 Grand Ave will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as a male shelter with 75 beds.

Isaiah 58:6-7
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?"

— Isaiah 58:6-7

Shelter guests and staff gathered in front of the Community Health Care Van
Our Mission

The Vision Ahead

Our vision is to rebuild our community one family at a time. Upon This Rock purchased the old EMS building to restore and revitalize it and create a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week community shelter that will house 75 individuals.

We want our front end to be a drop-in center for resources such as housing, children & families support, re-entry assistance, food assistance, mental health support and so much more. Our goal is to have this building up and running before the harsh winter months come, to provide unhoused individuals with the help and support they need.

— Upon This Rock Ministries

  1. 2020

    A vision after the isolation

    Coming out of COVID, God gave the Apostle a vision to gather the community and put their faith back in God - the first Faith Convention was born.

  2. Today

    The warming center

    Upon This Rock Outreach Inc. provides a warm bed, meals, showers, case management and wrap-around services for unhoused neighbors.

  3. Next

    The old EMS building

    Upon This Rock purchased the old EMS building to restore and revitalize it into a 24/7 community shelter housing 75 individuals, with a front-end drop-in center for housing, family support, re-entry, food and mental health resources.

Health partners offering free blood pressure screenings at the shelter
What We Provide

Services at the shelter

A safe bed and a warm, clean place to sleep, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Nutritious hot meals, showers and clean, comfortable living spaces.

Case management that walks with each guest toward permanent housing.

Substance-use recovery support and encouragement on the journey.

Workshops, counseling and life-skills programs designed to foster self-sufficiency.

On-site health screenings and access to community health partners.

Re-entry assistance, food assistance and referrals for children and families.

How To Get Help

Need shelter tonight?

Upon This Rock Shelter is actively addressing the issue of homelessness in our city.

Our current location is 645 Grand Ave, New Haven, CT 06511.

We serve as a referral point for men through the 211 Shelter program. Our hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For further information, please contact us at 203-535-0407, or send us a message using the form below and our team will follow up with you.

Who We Serve

Eligibility

645 Grand Ave currently operates as a male shelter with 75 beds, taking referrals for men through the 211 Shelter program. Upon This Rock has also housed women, children and families through our warming center and family triage as capacity has allowed.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, call us at 203-535-0407 or dial 211 and ask for Upon This Rock Outreach Inc. No one is turned away without help finding a next step.

Content coming soon

Success Stories

Stories From Our Guests

In their own words.

Hello, my name is Christopher M. Goff. Like many of you, I have seen the ups and downs of my life! I have struggled and made ways due, even by means of hurting someone, homeless. I have cheated and lied a lot in my lifetime! The days went by slow, as my stress progressed. Never did I think I would be the man to sit here and talk to you guys, but I am grateful! I haven't felt this type of depression in a long time, but I learned how to move forward! I am a simple, humble father and dad to the truth of my words! Faith will carry you a long way; believing in yourself is proof! Upon This Rock helped me become an even better person than I am already. They helped me with shelter and obtain my house to be able to allow my children to come stay with me. In my past I blamed people for my own failure in my life. I even went as far as couldn't see myself as being respected as a man. Life is a challenge we as a person wasn't ready for, but I'm here now! Taking the time to understand your own flaws and things we need to do as humans, just to be successful in our own minds as a person, is significant! The blessing that you want, that you need and that you crave is here - just look inside yourself! Loving yourself and loving the past is equal. Do not give up on yourself, believe... just like I did! If there is a wrong in life, there is a positive. Learn to love, to grow, and be somebody to yourself first, and then become somebody to someone else in this world! Be blessed. I'm truly grateful for all the help this program has provided, from case management to the available wrap-around services. Thank you. Chris
Christopher M. Goff smiling outdoors in a high-visibility work jacket
Christopher M. GoffShelter guest
I am writing this letter to express my deepest gratitude and to recommend this shelter as a truly exceptional place for anyone in need of support, care, and a fresh start. My experience at your shelter was nothing short of life-changing, and I want to ensure that others recognize the incredible work you do. From the moment I arrived, I was met with compassion and professionalism. The staff's unwavering dedication to the well-being of every individual is evident in every interaction. They go above and beyond to create a safe, welcoming, and empowering environment. Whether it was providing practical assistance, offering a listening ear, or encouraging me to take steps toward personal growth, I always felt supported. The resources available at this shelter are remarkable. The clean and comfortable living spaces, access to nutritious meals, and programs designed to foster self-sufficiency were instrumental in helping me rebuild my confidence and plan for the future. Additionally, the workshops and counseling services offered were both insightful and transformative. What stands out most to me is the sense of community the shelter fosters. The connections I made with both staff and fellow residents provided a sense of belonging and hope that carried me through challenging times. It is evident that everyone involved in this organization genuinely cares about making a positive impact in people's lives. I wholeheartedly recommend this shelter to anyone who is seeking assistance or considering supporting a cause that changes lives. Your work is not only essential but also inspiring, and I am forever grateful for the time I spent under your care. Thank you for all that you do.
Mbaye ThiamShelter guest
I am incredibly thankful to Upon This Rock Outreach Inc. for providing me with a safe place to stay until I was able to get into permanent housing. Helping me with my substance abuse, and keeping me focused on my journey to recovery. Special thanks to my case manager Arlette, who never let me give up hope, and Ms. D for always offering an encouraging word when I needed it most. Upon This Rock Outreach has been a guiding light in my life, and without them, I would still be lost. I thank God every day for their support and love.
Richard "Lucky" Hernandez standing in the shelter common room
Richard "Lucky" HernandezShelter guest
I am grateful to Upon This Rock Outreach Inc. for welcoming me with open arms, when I arrived from Florida with nothing and no family. From the moment I stepped into the shelter, I gained a new family. I'm so thankful for the support from Pastor Val and Ms. D, who were there for me through my recovery after having my skull put back on and helping me secure housing. Arlette, who is currently helping me with finding a job. Even after I got housing, they continued to support me. The prayers from Nana kept me going.
Nestor Olmo smiling in the shelter common room
Nestor OlmoShelter guest
Featured In

The shelter in the news

Building strong partnerships is essential in addressing hunger, health, and mental well-being in our communities. By collaborating with local organizations, businesses, and service providers, we can create sustainable solutions that ensure individuals in need have access to nutritious food, essential healthcare, and mental health support. Together, we can foster a healthier, more compassionate society where no one is left behind.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Where is the shelter located?
645 Grand Ave, New Haven, CT 06511. Our church home is at 882-884 Grand Ave, New Haven, CT 06511.
What are your hours?
The shelter operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How do I get a bed?
We serve as a referral point for men through the 211 Shelter program. Dial 211, or call us directly at 203-535-0407 and our team will walk you through the next step.
Is there a cost to stay?
Guests are never charged for shelter, meals or case management. Our work is funded by donors, partners and the local church.
What should I bring?
Bring any medications, identification and personal documents you have. If you have nothing with you, come anyway - we will help.
Can I volunteer or donate items?
Yes. Volunteers help with meals, bed set-up, donation sorting and workshops. Use the form on this page or visit our Give page to get started.
Do you help with housing after the shelter?
Yes. Case managers work with every guest on permanent housing, recovery support, employment and re-entry assistance.
Do you serve women, children or families?
645 Grand Ave currently operates as a male shelter. We have housed women, children and families through our warming center and family triage - call us and we will help you find the right placement.
Contact The Shelter

Request assistance or reach our team

Fill out the form and a member of our shelter team will follow up with you.

Upon This Rock Outreach Inc. 645 Grand Ave, New Haven, CT 06511 Phone: 203-535-0407 Email: info@utrm.org